In the fifth disputation, Malachi argued that God would show his justice in judgment at his appointed time. The prophet, true to the prophetic tradition, calls for a response in preparation for the coming of the messenger and the messenger of the covenant. The appeal for a particular response links this section to the third disputation (3:10–16). In both sections, God is expecting a renewal of fidelity: in marriage (2:10–16) and in worship (3:7–12). The former is representative of our love for others and the latter of our love for God.

God remains faithful to his promise that he will return to those who seek him with all their heart. Israel’s history is the story of a lack of responsiveness to God and his commandments. Even after the exile they were slow to respond. They were satisfied w…